§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what negotiations he is initiating to ensure that maritime states give shelter to oil tankers on the high seas which are in danger of breaking up. [148169]
§ Mr. HillThis is a matter which potentially affects all maritime states, and the appropriate international forum in which to discuss it is the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Indeed, the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee is expected to discuss the issue of ports/places of refuge when it meets in May of this year.